Potential Bow rider purchase - a few q's

[zealer]

Hi all,
Looking to buy a bow rider for the summer. Already looked at a few and they were a major disappointment (and a long drive).

Anyway, i have found another that piqued my interest, an 01 Bayliner 195 classic. I asked the usual questions about drivetrain maintenance, interior and floor condition etc, and got a response of the deck is in good shape but is springy around the fuel cell, which is normal according to the current owner. Is it? I actually had a Bayliner 185 many years back, but can't remember how the decking felt around the gas tank. I do remember the gas tank is under the deck in front of the engine.

Of course seeing and looking in person is he best route, but it's a 2.5hr drive and I just got back from a 2-day boat search where I drove a total of 1400km to look at some really worn out boats (despite decent pictures and owners assurance they were great)

There is also a second option. A 20ft Mariah (same year I believe, 2001) that needs a motor. I'm pretty mechanically inclined and am considering this option as well. What is everyone's thoughts on this idea? Buy boat, buy a used motor (needs a 5.0 or 5.7 I believe) and drop it in. Could save some $$ this way. I would do the work myself.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Potential Bow rider purchase - a few q's

I would avoid buying a hull and trying to get a replacement motor for it. Things will add up fast and you will be at the same price or close enough that you wish you just bought something in working condition. As for "springy around the fuel cell" of course its normal and not a big deal if you are the guy selling the boat. For anyone buying a boat that should be a red flag. Boats tend to rot from the strinigers up and once the deck is soft you can bed everything under it is rotted.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Potential Bow rider purchase - a few q's

zealer, unless you want to get invilved with a boat restoration, run away from the soft floor.

Repowering a hull might be an option if the boat is otherwise sound and very cheap, but you might pay more than if you find a decent intact boat. You can get remanufactured or new marine engines from places like Michigan Motorz. Does the boat have an outdrive?

Also, if you include your location in your profile, you'll much more specific help.
Good luck!

 

[pckeen]

Re: Potential Bow rider purchase - a few q's

got a response of the deck is in good shape but is springy around the fuel cell, which is normal according to the current owner.

Not normal. The deck should be solid. The deck and stringers are likely rotten. Unless you are looking for a $500 boat, then that isn't worth the drive.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Potential Bow rider purchase - a few q's

It's not normal and you are going to end up where you don't want to go. Look elsewhere. For the money you will end up spending in repairs you could probably find a nearly new boat in excellent condition.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Potential Bow rider purchase - a few q's

Where do you live that you have to go so far to find boats for sale?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Potential Bow rider purchase - a few q's

Z -

A few comments, having done the boat search thing a couple of years ago. . . In your potential boat purchase, you want to make sure the boat has potential.

Bayliners typically have floor and structural issues as they age, so you would really need to look into the spongy floor issue. As far as the Mariah, nobody ever seems to come out financially ahead by replacing an engine, so no pot of gold there.

Maybe best to keep looking and be patient. If you act out of haste you could easily make a bad decision and defeat your goal.

Tell us your location and your budget . . . we love looking for boats I'm sure you will get some recommendations.

 

[zealer]

Re: Potential Bow rider purchase - a few q's

Thanks all for the tips. 'Springy' floor about the gas tank struck me as odd too, but I was also thinking it could have more flex in that area of the decking because the tank is directly underneath with no supports (or less support) within close proximity. Some cob web thought going way back into my memory recalls reading about this possibility.

I live in Quebec, outside of Montreal. I make these trips because the boats here are much more expensive. Last year I made that same 5.5hr drive and got a real deal on a '07 Bayliner 175. I sold it at the end of summer, and want to get something else this year, but alas I do not quite have the same budget. For reference, I'm looking to spend about $4000 US. May seem low, but I am very confident I can (eventually) find a great deal. Few days ago I looked at a 96 Fourwinns and a 03 185 Capri (both OB). Engines were great, but everything else sucked! I understand its gonna be tough to find a gem with my budget, but if I ask about the floors and interior, don't tell me they are great when the seams are pulled, mold everywhere and I can scrape the floors with my fingernails.

I am real stumped about that Mariah. Waiting to hear back from owner and receive some pictures. I would most likely buy a used motor and drop it in. There are actually a few in my area for $1500-$2000. Of course, whether they work or not I'll only find out after buying. This is how I typically buy my cars - body/interior good condition, but mechanically needs work. I am good mechanically and comfortable as well.

Anyway, after that last crappy trip, I'm limiting my search to a 3hr travel time radius. Vermont, upstate NY, upstate NH.
Decisions, decisions...
Thanks all for the tips.

 

[zealer]

Re: Potential Bow rider purchase - a few q's

The Bayliner sold, problem solved! Noticed an 01 Maxum pop up, seats are somewhat weathered but maybe worth a look. Not ripped, just well used. The floor is not carpeted and does not appear to be wood. I didn't think Maxum made an all fibreglass boat at that time, so I will have to check with Maxum. Maybe it is a composite floor atop wooden stringers?

Although sadly, I realize with my budget it is going to be difficult to hit a home run. If I had to choose a fault, I'd pick mechanical problems.